The island has an overall area of 18 km2, and is located in the north-eastern part of Lake Malawi, 7 km north-west of Cobue, Mozambique.

In 1880 missionaries from the Universities' Mission to Central Africa, founded in response to a plea by David Livingstone, established their headquarters on Likoma Island.

Due to the presence of British missionaries, the island was assigned to Malawi rather than Mozambique when national borders in East Africa were established after World War II.

[1] As a consequence of poverty and insufficient hospitals, the situation of public health on the island is critical, although malaria (which is widespread in Malawi) has not been reported.

In addition, The MV Chambo links the island with the town of Nkhata Bay on the west side of the lake once a week.

As Likoma is a relevant tourist destination in Malawi, there are a few hotels and backpacker hostels, usually based on ecotouristic principles.